7 Tips For Introducing a New Pet Into Your Home

There are few things more exciting than bringing a new pet into your home. But adding a new cat or dog to your family requires more than just buying food, getting them a collar, and making sure they have their own set of toys. You want to ensure that your other four-legged family members are comfortable with their new furry sibling. Here are some tips for an easy introduction:

Introduce pets slowly: Understand that it will take some time for the other animals in your house to get used to the new dog or cat. Don't bring a pet home and immediately expect everyone to bond.

Don't leave pets unattended: Even if you think the introductions are going well, supervise all interactions.

If you have more than one pet living in the home, let them greet the new animal one by one: This prevents the new cat or dog from feeling overwhelmed by the situation.

Plan the meeting in a neutral location: You may pick a dog park, a vet's office, or the animal shelter. This stops resident animals from getting territorial and can ease any tension that might develop.

Don't force the interaction: Let the animals smell each other and approach when they're comfortable. Dragging them towards one another before they're ready can cause a negative first meeting.

Bring someone else in to help you: Have a friend or family member hold the resident pet, while you hold the newcomer. This provides further control over the meeting.

Make sure to stay relaxed: Animals pick up on fear and tension. If they sense that you're stressed, they'll become anxious too.

If you're not sure exactly how to conduct a smooth introduction, don't hesitate to bring in a professional trainer for assistance.

Lauren Levine is a freelance writer who has contributed to publications and websites including The Huffington Post, Hello Giggles, Bustle, Thought Catalog, The Charlotte Observer, U.S. News & World Report, and others. She’s also the co-host of The Margarita Confessionals podcast. Say hi on Twitter, @lifewithlauren1.